Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Deputies have arrested three men in connection with approximately ¼ quarter pound of suspected marijuana seized during a traffic stop on Saturday evening according Natchitoches Sheriff Victor Jones Jr.

On Saturday evening August 1st at approximately 7:00pm, Deputies assigned to the NPSO Criminal Patrol Division were patrolling on University Parkway near Natchitoches when they stopped a 2007 Chevrolet Tahoe for speeding and other traffic offenses.

Deputies identified the driver of the vehicle as Antonio Fleming of Natchitoches, La.

Two other male passengers were identified as Tyu Evans and Allen Watkins of Winnfield, La.

Deputies say when Fleming exited the vehicle they observed items associated with narcotics activity in plain view in the vehicle.

Deputies also say while issuing Fleming a citation for the traffic offenses, they asked him if he had ever been arrested in which he stated “no”. Deputies learned during a criminal history background check (Fleming) was on Parole for a Illegal Possession of Stolen Things and Simple Burglary conviction until 2016.

During a local warrants check, deputies also learned Allen Watkins was wanted by the Tenth Judicial District Court for Failure to Appear on March 28, 2014 for Possession of CDS I Marijuana.

Deputies suspected criminal activity and contacted agents with the Natchitoches Office of State Probation and Parole who authorized a search of the vehicle for illegal items.

During a search of the vehicle, deputies seized approximately ¼ quarter pound of suspected marijuana, one suspected marijuana blunt, and baggies commonly used to store illegal narcotics for street sales in the console of the vehicle.

Tyu Andre Evans, 23, of the 1500 block of Orange Street, Winnfield, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with Possession of CDS Schedule I Marijuana with Intent to Distribute and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Allen D. Watkins, 23, of the 1500 block of S. Gum Street, Winnfield, La., booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center charged with 1-count of Failure to Appear in the Tenth Judicial District Court for Possession of Marijuana.

All three suspects remain in the Natchitoches Detention Center awaiting bond.

Deputies believe the seized narcotics was intended for distribution in Natchitoches and Winn Parishes.

Two females in the vehicle were released and not charged with criminal offenses.